"I tell him I tried. I tried to keep memory alive; I tried to fight those who would forget. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. There is so much injustice & suffering crying out for our attention. We must take sides. We must interfere. -E.W.

Video: Ryan Maintains Head Control

The past several nights Ryan has done a remarkable job of maintaining control of his head while we had him sitting up in his bed. We were so impressed that we felt it worthy of capturing on video. The video you’re about to see is from Friday night and is five minutes long (but just watching it for a couple of minutes would be enough). After taking a minute to get him awake, Ryan did as we hoped.

Head control is a big deal. It is a (possible) indicator that Ryan has, at least some, spatial awareness. This is knowing or reacting to where he is in space.

As good as this video from Friday night is, last night was even better. Much, much better. Ryan not only maintained head control for over eight minutes, but did so dynamically. By this, I mean he makes adjustments to keep his head stable and up as I periodically bump and shake him (I did a little bit of this in above video). We didn’t directly video record this. However, it was captured and recorded on our surveillance. I just need to sit down and learn how to download this (or any) footage.

One other thing I observed from watching this… I need a flippin’ haircut. Bad! I look like some 1970’s Metal Band rocker.

Comments

This is amazing to see, and so encouraging — thank you for sharing the video with us. Keep fighting, Ryan! You got this!! We are praying constantly and celebrating every victory along the way with you guys. Love you, Divineys!

I was yelling with sheer excitement over this! He turned his head toward Sue! Spatial awareness and comprehension? That’s huge! Ken and Sue, your amazing strength and love will be responsible for giving your boy some level, some quality in his life. Way to go!

There is NO way I could have stopped watching this after just a minute or two! I watched and teared up all the way to the end! I loved watching you both sneaking in directional kisses for Ry! Made my morning!!!

Ken,This was so amazing,I was smiling and tearing up at same time .Ryan did great! Maybe this is that sign I was praying so hard for.He looked so good.Keep going Ryan!!!!we’re rooting for you.Thanks so very much for sharing this with us.Wishing a calm day for all Love Gail

Are you kidding? Definately need to watch all 5 minutes!! That was amazing and really great. Way to go Ryan. Keep up the good work. You are making such good progress. I loved seeing him turn all the way to Sue – amazing and HUGE. xoxo

This is wonderful. HOPE! Ryan looks terrific! So you know I gotta ask what you attribute this to? I totally understand the haircut thing. I have to shove David out the door to get his cut when it is beyond overdue. Anything outside of taking care of our child is difficult to get done. Never Give UP! Always praying.

This is great! As I watched this I thought of all the minutes, hours, days and months of love and incredible “attention to detail” care that has gone into making this possible. Without you both, this would not be. God bless you and guide you to continue to help Ryan. Always thinkng of you. Ryan you are looking great!

Wow we were where you are at now a couple of years ago. They always told us “all Brain traumas are unique.” But I rememeber celebrating that our son Andrew held his head up for 10 sec. Ryan is really showing progress. Isn’t it wonderful when you start to get feedback from him? We were amazed that with all of Andrew’s brain shears when he started to give us feedback he knew his right from his left. Sometimes better then his staff or his mom. The nods for yes and no were what we got next but just the fact that Ryan is following directions is HUGE!
Today at church Andrew pulled himself up into a standing position to sing. Ryan is on his way back!
We follow your post daily and we hold you all in our prayers.
Lots of love and HOPE from Muskegon, Michigan.
Myke & Steve Boshttp://www.capepages search:AndrewStevenBos

WAY TO GO RYAN!!!!! Ken and Sue, we are so happy for you. All of your effort to keep Ryan well is giving him the strength he needs to wake up and come back to us! This is so wonderful! Thank you for sharing this magnificent milestone with us! Prayers continue for grace to be bestowed on Ryan’s progression to full healing and for continued strength for you to help him through. Keep cheering Ryan along…I just know he needs to hear that from you as he tries so very hard. It’s his way of communicating to you how much he loves you and appreciates all that you are doing to help him every minute of every day! You are absolutely awesome parents and caregivers!
With much love and gratitude, Peggie

Wow! Just last week I said that I hoped Ryan would give you something positive to hang your hope on! And just look at him! Way to go, Ryan! Hope, faith, prayers and love — it works! Thank you, God.

Sorry I didn’t get over with the iron-ons before you shot this. We also have a big fake ficus and a palm with those little rice lights in them to add to the background. Like I said, set decoration… …
And, Ken, don’t worry about getting a haircut. After you don this big cowboy hat we bought for you, no one will ever know that you need one. Western wear is coming back, so I’m looking for scrubs that have pockets with pearl buttons — maybe a bolo tie — whadda ya think? Turquoise or plain.
Always reading, writing almost every day. Don’t you dare stop writing to us. I know it takes a lot of your valuable time, but even if you write 2 or 3 times a week, this is good. I must say, however, there are many of us just waiting for your post every day. I have trouble posting back to you, but if I wait until I get the email, there is no problem usually.
Always here with HOPE, FAITH, LOVE AND PRAYERS. Hugs all around. This is a day to celebrate! Wish we were there.

This is the first time I have ever watched a video and I have been brought to tears, both of sadness and joy! No parent should ever have to go through everything you are going through. God is amazing in giving you guys glimpses of hope, and you all are amazing parents! How blessed is Ryan! Your family will certainly be in my prayers from now on! I look forward to reading about his continued progress!

THIS is why you’re reducing the Baclofen! THIS is the result of YOU being courageous enough to keep going with the reductions. Ryan was on Baclofen for so long, so it’s only natural that it would take his body time to adjust to the freedom of being able to move. Yes, it’s going to take a while for his mind to get his body to move, but WOW!!! Look at that video and it’s obvious he’s PROCESSING INSTRUCTIONS!!!!! And I don’t think his neck gave out when he drooped down. My thought was he felt his gown slip off his shoulder and attempted to look down to see.

Oh my gosh, I am so impressed!! I thought I would watch the video for a minute or two, I watched the whole thing and found myself cheering right out loud for Ryan! Way to go, so exciting to see him not only keeping his head up but turning it on command. I will keep on praying and keep on hoping for more healing, keep on Ryan!!

What a gift to all of us to see Ryan making this kind of progress! I am crying happy, happy tears! I am saving this video, to watch over and over. Please keep recording him. It makes those of us who cannot see him very often to feel a part of his progress. Love to all of you~

I was out of town this weekend and am catching up on everything today. So glad I checked to see what I might have missed. Thank you for sharing your milestones with us (the cheering section)! What a great video and it’s exciting to know that he did even better the next day. Way to go Ryan!!

Awesome way to start my work day 🙂
I’m sure my coworkers will be wondering what I’m smiling about during our business meeting later on today. If they ask, I won’t hesitate to tell them that it’s because of Ryan!